Aunt Sally's Cocoa Drops with Mocha Buttercream Frosting

I made these cookies yesterday and they are AMAZING, so I thought I would share the recipe. Enjoy!

Aunt Sally's Cocoa Drops (Gold Medal Winner!)

1/2 c. shortening (part butter)

1 c. sugar

1 egg

3/4 c. buttermilk or sour milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 3/4 c. flour

1/2 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. cocoa

1 c. chopped nuts (I used walnuts)

Chill one hour - drop by teaspoonfuls and bake at 400 deg for 8-10 mins.

Frost if desired.

Mocha Buttercream Frosting (from the cocoa container)

1/2 stick (2 oz.) butter, softened

1/2 lb. confectionery sugar

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp. instant coffee granules dissolved in 1/8 cup coffee (I would just use some strong leftover drip coffee if you have it.)

Use a spoon to place ~ 1 tsp. of frosting on each cookie.

Ice Skating at Sommerset House

The night before flying home I went into London and got to stay with Anna McCarthey, a family friend who has been living and working there since October. It was so fun to see someone from Paso in England! I hadn't seen Anna is about 10 years, but it was so easy to catch up with her. I am so thankful to find a friend in London and I look forward to her visit to Cambridge!

We headed to Sommerset House soon after my arrival to go ice skating. The venue was sponsored by Tiffany's, with a tree decorated with teal and white skates and blue lights shining. It was such a beautiful setting and so much fun! We met up with Anna's coworker and her husband and ended up at the nearby Wellington pub for dinner. It was a wonderful London evening, thanks Anna!